Allergic reactions

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Allergic reactions

Prevention

Avoid triggers such as foods and medications that have caused an allergic reaction, even a mild one, in the past. This includes asking detailed questions about ingredients when you are eating away from home. Also carefully examine ingredient labels.
If you have a child who is allergic to certain foods, introduce one new food at a time in small amounts so you can recognize an allergic reaction.
People who know that they have had serious allergic reactions should wear a medical ID tag.
If you have a history of serious allergic reactions, carry emergency medications (such as diphenihydramine and injectable epinephrine or a bee sting kit) according to your health care provider’s instructions.
Do not use your injectable epinephrine on anyone else. They may have a condition (such as a heart problem) that could be negatively affected by this drug.

References

Simons FE. Anaphylaxis. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2008;121:S402-407.


Allergic reactions


Dermatographism - close-up


Dermatographism on the arm


Hives (urticaria) on the arm


Hives (urticaria) on the chest


Hives (urticaria) - close-up


Hives (urticaria) on the trunk


Dermatographism on the back


Dermatographism - arm


Allergic reactions

Review Date: 4/28/2008
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III., MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Stuart I. Henochowicz, MD, FACP, Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology, Georgetown University Medical School. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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